'Lost:' We Find Out "What They Died For" and More!

For all my complaining about last week's episode of Lost, I have to admit: This week's "What They Died For" episode -- the last one before Sunday's finale -- did not disappoint. (And I'm not just saying that because there was plenty of Jack and Sawyer.)

*Warning: Spoiler Alert.*

Ordinarily, Lost episodes leave me entirely confused and unsettled, shouting "WTF?" at my television screen. But last night was different.

Several loose ends were tied up. Past characters -- including Danielle Rousseau and Ana Lucia -- (re)appeared just when you expected and wanted them to show. And, most important, Jacob explained why Jin, Sun, and Sayid had to die and why he had brought the candidates to the island -- which are both one in the same: They have to protect it.

He says:

"I chose you because you were like me -- you were all alone ... You were looking for something you couldn't find out there. I chose you because you needed this place as much as it needed you."

Well said. Can't say I was that surprised, though, when Jack told Jacob he would take over the job of protecting the island. They all acted like it was some sort of shocker; yet I feel like we knew that would happen months ago. Still, the campfire moment was a good one.

It's all sort of starting to make sense; the pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together. And, instead of ending my Tuesday feeling exasperated, I was left with a feeling of -- dare I say -- peace and a belief that a decent finale is in our future (versus doubting that the writers will be able to pull it off).

I also really like what they're doing with the flash sideways: It's pretty clear now that this is some kind of simultaneous alternate reality, in which the characters' flaws are depicted in ... perhaps ... a more positive and purposeful light. (Except for Desmond: In both realities he is totally awesome and kick-ass, don't you agree?)

My only gripe? I was duped into thinking we'd learn who Jack's wife is in the alternate reality before the end of the episode. *face-palm*